The World's Largest Computer in 1951

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around historical and technical aspects of significant machines and vehicles, including the ENIAC computer and the Russian Ekranoplan. Participants engage in a quiz-like format, posing questions and providing hints about various inventions, their specifications, and historical context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the ENIAC, detailing its size, weight, components, and power consumption, while noting its limited processing power compared to modern devices.
  • Another participant identifies the ENIAC as the machine described in the previous post.
  • Participants discuss a large vehicle that weighs 540 tons, can travel over land and water, and is hinted to be built in Russia, leading to speculation about its identity.
  • Some participants propose that the vehicle in question is the Russian Ekranoplan, explaining its design and operational principles related to ground effect.
  • There is a discussion about a vehicle that achieved over 188 miles per gallon, with participants speculating on its type and historical significance, including a mention of a Harley Davidson motorcycle from 1908.
  • One participant describes a crude device involving a wooden stand, a funnel, acid, and copper wire, prompting further questions about its purpose.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the identity of some machines, particularly the vehicle that achieved high fuel efficiency, as various guesses and clarifications are made. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of some inventions and their historical context.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specifications and classifications of the vehicles discussed, particularly regarding the Ekranoplan's operational capabilities and the fuel efficiency claims of the motorcycle.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the history of computing, engineering innovations, and the evolution of vehicle technology may find this discussion engaging.

  • #1,741
Okay, no google. Some kind of clamp? Or for shaping? Or for making holes? It's used with hard materials, metals? Not with wood? Just thinking aloud...
 
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  • #1,742
It's not used with wood.

It's not used for clamping, shaping or making holes as such.
 
  • #1,745
Look at the tip of the bit which would actually do the work. Think about its shape. And wonder why there's a barrel adjuster on it too.
 
  • #1,746
is it some sort of screwdriver?
 
  • #1,747
yomamma said:
is it some sort of screwdriver?

Not as such, but you're not a million miles off.
 
  • #1,748
Stand aside everyone, I'm back on the case. :-p
brewnog said:
Look at the tip of the bit which would actually do the work. Think about its shape. And wonder why there's a barrel adjuster on it too.
I can't see the bit or its tip. Magnifying the image doesn't work. Do you have a picture of the same type of bit?
I am still rather confused about how exactly tapping works, but is this used for tapping?
 
  • #1,749
honestrosewater said:
Stand aside everyone, I'm back on the case. :-p
I can't see the bit or its tip. Magnifying the image doesn't work. Do you have a picture of the same type of bit?
I am still rather confused about how exactly tapping works, but is this used for tapping?

No, it's not used for tapping, but I can see what you're getting at.

The 'tip' is smooth and cylindrical, with a flat face. If this were a metal forming tool, you might expect the tip to be sharpened, or shaped in some way. However, it's not. It's just smooth, and cylindrical!

This is the kind of tool a mechanic might use (for cars, but also for motorbikes!), or a cyclist.

This is turning out to be a riveting conversation...
 
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  • #1,750
I willl check again, but is that a boring bit?
 
  • #1,751
  • #1,752
Yep yep, some good work there!
 
  • #1,753
  • #1,754
In this land you'll find a crownless king, a wingless wasp, and a stone that just isn't. But they all have one more thing in common.
 
  • #1,755
Ireland? sounds cooky enough.
 
  • #1,756
Ach naw, laddie. :smile: Or something like that...

The 3 things actually have a lot in common, but the clues are just where they all live and one more rather special thing.
 
  • #1,757
I know of a stone fish and a king fish so sealand
 
  • #1,758
wolram said:
I know of a stone fish and a king fish so sealand
Wow, there is a place called Sealand. It's wrong though. Stonefish is correct. Not king fish. I didn't mean the name included 'land'.

The wasp is also a box with no lid. The king is black but not by name.
 
  • #1,759
Stonefish, kingfishers and waspfish are all found on the Solomon Isles?
 
  • #1,760
brewnog said:
Stonefish, kingfishers and waspfish are all found on the Solomon Isles?
Nope. Is there anything special about a stonefish? Something you should maybe know before you step on one?

Other than them being totally wicked-looking- have you seen some of those fish? Yikes.
 
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  • #1,761
It's got a poisony spikey thing!

So do wasps...

(And kingfish?)
 
  • #1,762
venom, yes. kingfish, still no.
 
  • #1,763
brewnog said:
It's got a poisony spikey thing!
Don't get so technical, dude. We're not all marine biologists here.
 
  • #1,764
Coral reefs maybe.
 
  • #1,765
So...
A crownless king that is black but not by name.
A wingless wasp that is also a box with no lid.
You have stonefish, which are venomous.
They all live in the same place.
 
  • #1,766
wolram said:
Coral reefs maybe.
Um, not no but not yes. Warm.
 
  • #1,767
Danger, i had a few to many last night, but were you at the bottom of
my garden?
 
  • #1,768
wolram said:
Danger, i had a few to many last night, but were you at the bottom of
my garden?
I was at the bottom of something, but damned if I can remember what. It's quite possible. (I tipped a couple back myself.)
 
  • #1,769
Bikini atoll just a guess.
 
  • #1,770
Danger said:
(I tipped a couple back myself.)
Did they fall?
Actually, nevermind.
 

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